Tourism Sector Fights 40-Hour Workweek in Quintana Roo

Cancún, Mexico — Business representatives in Quintana Roo are requesting exemptions from the proposed federal reduction of the workweek from 48 to 40 hours, arguing that the tourism industry requires flexible labor schedules due to its around-the-clock service demands.

Concerns Over Competitiveness and Employment

María Jovita Portillo, president of the Employers' Confederation of the Mexican Republic (Coparmex) in Cancún, stated that while the organization supports the 40-hour workweek in principle, it seeks adjustments to prevent negative impacts on business competitiveness. Currently, workers in Quintana Roo have one weekly rest day and work 48 hours total. The proposed reform would cut eight working hours while granting a second rest day.

Prior to the announcement of public forums on the issue, Coparmex had already requested federal legislators from Quintana Roo to convene working groups to discuss balancing fiscal and labor reforms. Portillo emphasized that tourism-dependent regions like Quintana Roo require reasonable exceptions, as service-sector operations demand continuous staffing.

"Failing to establish tailored schemes for different industries could lead to job losses or increased informal employment," Portillo warned. She noted that not only large hotels but also small and medium-sized enterprises would struggle with reduced work hours.

"Ignoring this reality would mean disregarding the conditions of millions of small businesses operating on tight margins that sustain much of national employment," she added, referencing Coparmex’s nationwide stance.

Academic Warnings and Upcoming Forum

Héctor Pérez Hernández, academic secretary of the Universidad del Sur, recently cautioned that the reform could negatively impact 90% of students working in the hotel sector to pay tuition. A public forum on the labor reform is scheduled for July 7 in Cancún.

The debate continues as stakeholders weigh worker welfare against economic viability in one of Mexico’s most tourism-dependent regions.